Princess Haifa bint Mohammed moves to a senior advisory role as Abdulmohsen Al-Mazyad becomes Vice Minister of Tourism, while Ahmed Al Khateeb remains at the helm in a wider Saudi cabinet recalibration...
Saudi Arabia has launched one of its most consequential cabinet reshuffles in recent years, ushering in a significant change at the heart of the Kingdom’s tourism leadership. In a sweeping royal decree, Princess Haifa bint Mohammed Al Saud has been moved from her role as Vice Minister of Tourism to a senior advisory position at the Council of Ministers, while Abdulmohsen Al-Mazyad assumes the deputy post. Tourism Minister Ahmed Al Khateeb, the architect of Saudi Arabia’s tourism transformation, remains firmly in place — signalling continuity at the top, but a strategic recalibration beneath it as Vision 2030 enters its decisive phase.
Overview of the February 2026 Shake-Up
On 12 February 2026, Saudi Arabia’s King Salman announced a major cabinet and senior leadership reshuffle across several ministries and agencies. The royal decrees introduced new appointments in sectors vital to the kingdom’s Vision 2030 development plan – notably tourism and transport – while also implementing changes in investment, justice, and regional governance. Over 40 officials were affected in total, with multiple high-profile figures relieved of their duties or reassigned to advisory roles at the ministerial level. Officials described the changes as part of an effort to “enhance efficiency” and sharpen execution as the Vision 2030 target year approaches.
Tourism Leadership Changes: Princess Haifa’s Exit and a New Vice Minister
One of the most notable changes was in the Ministry of Tourism’s leadership. Princess Haifa bint Mohammed Al Saud is no longer the Vice Minister of Tourism, after serving as a visible figure in promoting Saudi tourism in recent years.
By royal decree on February 12, 2026, Princess Haifa was relieved of her post as Deputy (Vice) Minister of Tourism and “appointed adviser at the General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers at the rank of minister”, a senior advisory role in the cabinet’s secretariat. This move marked the end of her tenure as the second-in-command at the Tourism Ministry. Princess Haifa’s reassignment to the Council of Ministers indicates she will continue to serve in government as a high-level adviser, though without a day-to-day executive portfolio. The timing of this change was part of the broader February 12 reshuffle, signaling a shift in the tourism sector’s strategy and personnel.
During her tenure as Vice Minister of Tourism, Princess Haifa bint Mohammed Al Saud played a defining role in shaping the international narrative around Saudi Arabia’s emerging tourism sector. At a time when the Kingdom was opening itself to global leisure travel for the first time, she became one of its most recognisable ambassadors — articulating Vision 2030’s tourism ambitions on international platforms and engaging directly with global industry leaders. Her presence at major travel forums, ministerial dialogues and bilateral meetings helped position Saudi Arabia not simply as a new destination, but as a serious long-term player in the global tourism economy.
Beyond visibility, Princess Haifa contributed to building the ecosystem that underpins the sector’s rapid growth. She championed collaboration between government entities, the private sector and international partners, reinforcing alignment between destination promotion, infrastructure expansion and regulatory reform. Under her period in office, the tourism sector transitioned from concept to operational scale, welcoming record visitor numbers and strengthening its global brand recognition.
Princess Haifa’s new role as an Adviser to the Council of Ministers’ Secretariat suggests she may still influence policy. The advisory position (with the rank of minister) typically involves providing strategic counsel on government initiatives. So far, no specific portfolio has been announced for her in the advisory role, but it is likely to leverage her experience in international promotion and inter-ministerial coordination.
Stepping into the tourism ministry’s number-two position is Abdulmohsen Al-Mazyad, who has been appointed the new Vice Minister of Tourism. Al-Mazyad earned a promotion from within the ministry: he previously oversaw licensing and quality standards in the hospitality sector as a deputy minister. In that capacity, Al-Mazyad was responsible for licensing and classification of tourism facilities – for example, he led field inspections of hotels and accommodations in Mecca to ensure readiness for Hajj pilgrims. His background in regulatory oversight and standards positions him as a technocratic choice to accelerate the development of Saudi tourism infrastructure. While Al-Mazyad replaces Princess Haifa in the Vice Minister role, it is important to note that Ahmed Al Khateeb remains Minister of Tourism continues to head the ministry’s overall strategy and international outreach.
Just who is Abdulmohsen Al-Mazyad?
Abdulmohsen Al-Mazyad, now the Vice Minister of Tourism, is a seasoned bureaucrat with deep expertise in the hospitality and tourism sector’s regulatory affairs. As noted, he was in charge of the Licensing and Classification Department at the ministry, a role in which he ensured tourism establishments comply with laws and quality standards. During the 2025 Hajj season, for instance, Al-Mazyad led efforts to inspect hotels in Makkah and Medina, verifying that pilgrims’ accommodations met the required operational licenses and service criteria. This hands-on experience with tourism operators has given him insight into the on-the-ground challenges of Saudi Arabia’s rapidly expanding tourism industry.
Colleagues describe Al-Mazyad as a technocrat focused on standards and compliance. His work involved developing classification systems (such as star ratings for hotels) and streamlining licensing procedures for new tourism businesses. By elevating Al-Mazyad to Vice Minister, Saudi leadership appears to be emphasizing regulatory robustness and service quality in tourism – critical factors as the Kingdom seeks to welcome more international visitors. Tourism is a flagship sector in the Vision 2030 diversification plan, and Al-Mazyad’s appointment underscores continuity in pursuing initiatives like improving the tourist experience and investor confidence in the sector.
Tourism remains a cornerstone of Vision 2030, with the government aiming to exponentially increase both leisure and religious visitors and to diversify non-oil revenues through tourism. Al-Mazyad’s expertise in hospitality operations will be vital in achieving the targets (such as 150 million annual visits by 2030, according to previously stated goals) and in ensuring new destinations like Al-Ula and the Red Sea Global projects adhere to global standards.
Transport Sector Shake-Up: Fawaz Al-Sahli to Lead the Transport Authority
Another significant appointment in the February 2026 reshuffle is in the transportation and logistics sector. Engineer Fawaz Al-Sahli has been named the President of the Transport General Authority (TGA). The TGA is the regulatory body overseeing Saudi Arabia’s land, rail, and maritime transport, and it plays a central role in the Kingdom’s ambitions to become a global logistics and transport hub. Al-Sahli’s appointment comes at a crucial time as Saudi Arabia invests heavily in transportation infrastructure – from new railways and metro systems to port expansions – under the Vision 2030 blueprint.
Fawaz Al-Sahli’s background is firmly rooted in transport planning and regulation. He is a civil engineer by training, with advanced credentials in transportation engineering. Prior to this promotion, Al-Sahli served as the Vice-President for the Regulatory Sector at the TGA, effectively the second-in-command at the authority. In that capacity he led regulatory policy development for land transport and has been instrumental in projects related to public transport network design. Al-Sahli is recognized as an expert in transport network planning and design, with extensive experience in crafting transport policies and business plans for the sector. Throughout his career, he has overseen multiple strategic initiatives to modernize Saudi transport, championed Saudization programs in logistics, and supervised the launch of digital platforms for transport services. He has also represented Saudi Arabia at international forums – for example, he was a delegate to the UITP Global Public Transport Summit, showcasing the Kingdom’s urban mobility developments.
By appointing Al-Sahli as President of the TGA, the leadership is looking to leverage his technical expertise and global exposure to advance Saudi Arabia’s transport agenda. The Transport General Authority under Al-Sahli will be pivotal in realising Vision 2030’s logistics goals – the Kingdom aims to position itself as a logistics hub connecting Asia, Europe, and Africa. This involves scaling up port capacities, expanding railway lines (such as the Land Bridge between coasts), and improving public transport in cities. The royal decree announcing Al-Sahli’s appointment explicitly ties into these goals: TGA is “central to plans to transform the kingdom into a global logistics hub”. Al-Sahli’s regulatory acumen is expected to help integrate the various transport modes and ensure that ambitious projects (like new metro systems and the burgeoning rail network) meet international best practices.
It’s worth noting that before Al-Sahli’s appointment, the TGA was led in an acting capacity by Dr. Rumaih Al-Rumaih (who concurrently serves as Deputy Minister of Transport). The decrees did not detail how Dr. Al-Rumaih’s responsibilities would be adjusted now. However, it’s likely that Al-Sahli will take over day-to-day leadership at TGA, while Al-Rumaih continues in the Ministry overseeing broader transport and logistics strategy. Together, they will need to coordinate on major programs like improving road safety, expanding the railway network, and regulating emerging transport services (e.g. ride-hailing, hyperloop explorations) in line with Vision 2030.
Profiles of the New Appointees: Expertise and Previous Roles
Abdulmohsen Al-Mazyad (Tourism Vice Minister) and Fawaz Al-Sahli (TGA President) both bring considerable experience in their fields, aligning with the technocratic tone of this reshuffle:
- Abdulmohsen Al-Mazyad: A career official in the tourism ministry, Al-Mazyad’s key expertise lies in hospitality standards and regulatory compliance. He served as Deputy Minister for Licensing & Classification at the Tourism Ministry, where he developed and enforced regulations for hotels, resorts, tour operators, and other tourism services. He also frequently liaised with industry stakeholders – for example, meeting hospitality investors at chambers of commerce to address challenges in the sector. Al-Mazyad’s focus has been on raising service quality and ensuring facilities are prepared for surges in visitors, such as during Hajj and Umrah seasons. By elevating him to Vice Minister, the government is likely looking to benefit from his on-the-ground knowledge to improve tourist satisfaction and investor confidence in new tourism ventures.
- Eng. Fawaz Al-Sahli: Al-Sahli is an engineer and transport policy specialist with a career spanning various roles in the Ministry of Transport and its authorities. Having earned a Master’s degree in transportation engineering, he worked on transport projects since the late 2000s. By 2017, he became Vice President of the TGA’s Land Transport sector, where he formulated regulations for trucking, public transit, and rail services. He has led numerous strategic and technical projects aimed at modernizing the Kingdom’s transport networks. Peers note his contributions to transport innovation and digital transformation – for instance, Al-Sahli pushed for e-platforms to streamline freight logistics and championed new mobility technologies. He has also been involved in international collaboration, ensuring Saudi regulations keep pace with global standards and representing the country in transport agreements. Al-Sahli’s blend of technical know-how and regulatory experience makes him a “safe pair of hands” to steer the transport authority at a time of rapid infrastructure expansion.
Both Al-Mazyad and Al-Sahli are seen as pragmatic, operationally-focused leaders. Their appointments reflect a broader trend in the reshuffle: elevating individuals who have proven expertise in implementation. This suggests the government’s priority is to shift Vision 2030 initiatives from planning to execution mode as deadlines draw nearer.
Other Major Appointments in the Royal Decrees
While tourism and transport were focal points, the February 2026 royal orders encompassed numerous other significant changes across the Saudi government. Key appointments and changes included:
- Investment Ministry: Fahd bin Abduljalil Al-Saif was appointed Minister of Investment, replacing veteran technocrat Khalid Al-Falih. Al-Falih, who had led the investment ministry since its 2020 inception, was moved to a Minister of State position and remains a member of the Council of Ministers. Al-Saif is a senior finance executive from the Public Investment Fund (PIF) known for his work on Saudi Arabia’s debt management and sovereign wealth strategy.
- Public Prosecution: Longtime Attorney General Sheikh Saud Al-Mujib was relieved of his duties and made an adviser to the Royal Court. Dr. Khalid bin Mohammed Al-Yousef, formerly head of the Board of Grievances (the administrative judiciary), was appointed as the new Attorney General. Dr. Al-Yousef is a jurist who has been involved in judicial reforms, and his appointment comes as Saudi Arabia strengthens its legal institutions to support economic reforms.
- National Development Fund: Abdulaziz Al-Arifi was named Governor of the National Development Fund (NDF). Al-Arifi, a Stanford-educated financier, previously led the “Shareek” partnership program and has experience in both government and investment banking. He replaces the outgoing governor (Stephen Groff) with a mandate to boost the impact of Saudi Arabia’s development finance institutions on the economy.
- Communications and Technology: Haitham Al-Ohali, formerly Vice Minister of Communications and IT, was appointed Governor of the Communications, Space & Technology Commission. An experienced technologist who had a career at Cisco, Al-Ohali will oversee telecoms and digital infrastructure regulation – a critical area as Saudi Arabia rolls out 5G networks and invests in space and AI initiatives.
- Ministry of Media: A new Vice Minister of Media was also named. Abdullah Al-Maghlouth, a prominent media strategist and author who had been serving as the ministry’s spokesperson and assistant minister, was promoted to Vice Minister. Al-Maghlouth’s background includes founding the Center for Government Communication, and his elevation is part of ongoing restructuring of the Kingdom’s media apparatus to better align with Vision 2030 messaging.
- Regional Governors: There were notable shifts in regional administration. Prince Rakan bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud (one of King Salman’s sons) was appointed Governor of Diriyah, replacing Prince Fahd bin Saad who in turn was made Deputy Governor of Al-Baha. Prince Fawaz bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz became Governor of Taif, while Prince Saud bin Nahar Al Saud (formerly Taif’s governor) was named Deputy Governor of Madinah Region. These moves shuffle younger royals into key local leadership roles, likely to accelerate development in those regions (Diriyah, for example, is a heritage mega-project and tourist attraction, and Madinah is expanding its holy city infrastructure).
- Economic and Advisory Posts: Several other officials were rotated into new positions. For instance, Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al-Arifi (a different Al-Arifi than the NDF governor) was appointed Governor of the National Development Fund with excellent rank, and Abdullah Al-Maghlouth as noted to Media. Prince Dr. Bandar Al-Mashari moved from Assistant Interior Minister for Technology to an advisory role at the Interior Ministry. Additionally, Dr. Najm Al-Zaid, Deputy Minister of Justice, was relieved and made a Royal Court adviser, and Sheikh Ali Al-Ahmed Al-Ahedib was appointed President of the Board of Grievances (succeeding Al-Yousef). These changes in the justice sector aim to modernize the legal framework in tandem with economic changes.
- Religious Leadership: In a separate royal order the same week, a significant change was made to the Kingdom’s religious establishment. Sheikh Dr. Saleh bin Fawzan Al-Fawzan, a senior cleric and long-time member of the Council of Senior Scholars, was appointed Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia (the kingdom’s top religious authority) and Chairman of the Council of Senior Scholars. This appointment of a new Grand Mufti was a noteworthy development, as the position had been held by the previous incumbent for decades. Sheikh Al-Fawzan’s elevation is expected to maintain continuity in religious guidance while potentially infusing new energy into the Kingdom’s scholarly institutions. (This change, while outside the cabinet, underscores the breadth of leadership renewal happening in Saudi Arabia’s governance.)
The above list is not exhaustive, but it highlights the breadth of the reshuffle. From investment and media to provincial governance and religious leadership, the royal decrees have introduced a wave of new faces and reassigned experienced officials across the board. Many of those appointed are seasoned professionals (often Western-educated or with significant private-sector experience) indicating a technocratic approach to drive the next phase of reforms.
Implications for Vision 2030 and Reform Momentum
Saudi Arabia’s leadership characterized this reshuffle as a means to bolster Vision 2030 delivery at a critical juncture. With just four years left until 2030, the Kingdom is transitioning from planning massive projects to ensuring they are executed effectively and contribute to economic diversification. The tourism and transport sectors exemplify this push:
- Tourism: As a “flagship pillar of Vision 2030”, tourism is tasked with generating jobs, attracting foreign spending, and highlighting a modern, open image of Saudi Arabia. The appointment of Al-Mazyad as Vice Minister suggests a focus on operational excellence – making sure the ambitious targets for tourist arrivals (both for leisure and religious pilgrimage) are met with high-quality services. Under Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia seeks to increase tourism’s contribution to GDP from 3% to 10% and welcome 100+ million visitors annually by 2030. Achieving this means ensuring hotels, airports, and tour operators across the country meet international standards. Al-Mazyad’s regulatory background will be crucial in setting those standards. Ahmed Al Khateeb’s continuing role as Tourism Minister provides policy continuity – he has been the architect of Saudi’s tourism strategy, courting global investors and events (from forming the Saudi Tourism Authority to hosting major entertainment seasons). With the new minister-deputy team, the Ministry can pair Al Khateeb’s vision and international outreach with Al-Mazyad’s enforcement of quality and safety on the ground.
- Transport and Logistics: The Vision 2030 blueprint aims to make Saudi Arabia a transport and logistical gateway linking three continents. This involves huge investments in ports, new airlines (e.g., the launch of Riyadh Air), expanded airports, a nationwide railway network, and metro lines in major cities. By putting Fawaz Al-Sahli in charge of the TGA, the government is emphasizing the importance of regulatory oversight and integration in this expansion. Al-Sahli will need to synchronize land, sea, and air transport regulations to improve efficiency – for instance, streamlining freight movement from ports to trucks to warehouses, and ensuring last-mile connectivity for goods and passengers. The TGA also has a consumer-facing aspect: regulating ride-sharing, intercity bus travel, and even emerging tech like autonomous vehicles. Under Vision 2030, one concrete goal is to raise the Kingdom’s ranking in the Logistics Performance Index (LPI) to among the top 10 globally. Another is to increase the number of cities with public transport systems. These goals require not just infrastructure, but effective governance – a challenge Al-Sahli’s team will tackle. As one analysis noted, these leadership changes come as Riyadh shifts toward “high-impact and revenue-generating sectors” and logistics fits that mold, given its potential to attract investment and make Saudi trade more competitive.
Beyond tourism and transport, other appointments also align with Vision 2030 priorities. For example, the new Investment Minister Fahd Al-Saif is expected to reinvigorate efforts to attract foreign direct investment (FDI), which has been rising but still below targets. Saudi Arabia has set a goal of $100 billion in FDI annually by 2030, and Al-Saif’s mandate is to find ways to hit those numbers, including possibly adjusting strategies to focus on areas like technology and renewable energy. “The timing is likely linked to a shift in investment strategy, toward more high-impact and revenue-generating sectors,” observed Monica Malik, chief economist at Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, referring to the reshuffle in the investment portfolio. This reflects a broader pivot in Vision 2030: prioritizing projects with clearer economic returns as 2030 draws closer, especially given fiscal pressures from relatively lower oil prices.
Officials and analysts alike see the February 2026 reshuffle as recalibrating the team to deliver on ambitious goals. A Saudi government statement (via SPA) framed the moves as strengthening the cadres responsible for Vision 2030’s execution. By injecting new leadership into critical positions, the Kingdom aims to overcome bureaucratic inertia and accelerate reforms. “Reinforcing what officials described as an effort to ‘enhance efficiency’ and sharpen execution as Vision 2030 enters its final phases,” the reshuffle is essentially about putting the right skill sets in the right jobs. Many of the newly appointed figures are considered competent technocrats, and in some cases, younger or with private-sector backgrounds, which could help streamline decision-making and implementation.
Early reactions from stakeholders have been cautiously optimistic. Tourism industry players are watching closely how Al-Mazyad will engage with the private sector – given his compliance role, there’s anticipation that he will simplify licensing and support investors in opening hotels and attractions more quickly. In the transport sector, businesses in logistics and infrastructure development welcome Al-Sahli’s appointment, expecting clearer regulatory frameworks and support for innovation (for example, drone delivery regulations or smart mobility initiatives).
One logistics executive, speaking on background in local media, suggested that having an engineer at the helm of TGA is “a positive sign that practical challenges like freight bottlenecks and transport safety will get attention.” Meanwhile, economic analysts view the retention of experienced ministers like Ahmed Al Khateeb and the reassignments of figures like Khalid Al-Falih as a balance between continuity and change. “Al-Saif is well known and respected by the investor community … a safe pair of hands as the kingdom works to boost investment at all levels,” said Justin Alexander, a Gulf region economist, underscoring confidence in the new Investment Minister.
This sentiment likely extends to other appointments – there is an expectation that the new leaders will be “safe pairs of hands” to guide Saudi Arabia through the next, more intensive phase of its transformation.
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Image top of page: Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, King of Saudi Arabia (Photo: SPA)
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